Academy

Inter Miami academy star Felipe Valencia becomes USL's youngest-ever goalscorer

Felipe Valencia - Inter Miami - academy prospect

Fort Lauderdale CF, the USL League One side of Inter Miami CF, is setting records.


Felipe Valencia, at 15 years, five months and 18 days, became the youngest goalscorer at any USL level on Wednesday night. He knocked home a left-footed shot in the club’s 3-2 win over North Texas SC, banging home the eventual game-winner in the 56th minute.

The previous record was held by Bayern Munich left back Alphonso Davies, who developed with the Vancouver Whitecaps before he signed a Homegrown Player deal in 2016.


Valencia is part of Inter Miami's Under-17 team, joining for the 2019-20 season after playing at nearby club Kendall SC. This past March, he was one of 36 players called into the first camp for US U-15 national head coach Gonzalo Segares, a former Chicago Fire defender.


Valencia has started in three matches so far this USL League One season, playing 191 minutes along the way. Wednesday's tally was his first as a professional, while Fort Lauderdale's leading goalscorer is former Real Salt Lake forward Ricky Lopez-Espin.